Women’s College Basketball Picks & Predictions: Arizona vs. Utah (2025)

by Travis Pulver |
Jan 31, 2025

The Arizona Wildcats will try to extend their winning streak to four when they play the Utah Utes at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET, and fans can find coverage on FS1. The Utes are listed in sportsbooks as 8.5-point favorites.

Utah handled Arizona pretty easily when the two met in Tucson on New Year’s Eve. The Utes ran away with the win, taking down the Wildcats 69-48. Will the rematch have a similar outcome? Or should we expect a more competitive contest?

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Arizona vs. Utah Betting Preview

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Details

Betting Line: Utah -8.5 (-108) | O/U 133.5 (-100/-110)
Location: Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, UT
Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Coverage: FS1
Last Meeting: December 31, 2024 - Utah won 69-48

Overview

While the Utes ended 2024 in style with a 21-point win over Arizona, 2025 has not been as kind. With the win over BYU last Saturday, they improved to 4-3 in January. To be fair, the competition has been challenging. Two of the losses were to ranked opponents (No. 12 Kansas State – 71-47 on January 8th, No. 10 TCU – 81-73 on January 17th).

The win over BYU made it two in a row. So, they’ll try to make it three in a row at home tonight versus Arizona. They have only lost once at home (November 28th vs. Mississippi State – 66-62). Gianna Kneepkens has been instrumental in both wins, recording 30 and 32 points.

Since their loss to Kansas State on January 16th (62-47), the Wildcats have been on a roll, winning three in a row, and all by double digits. However, while many projections do have them making the NCAA Tournament this year, ESPN’s bracketology has them listed as ‘First Out.’

So, there is not much room for error (if any) for the Wildcats. With challenging games coming up against No. 24-ranked Oklahoma State and No. 9-ranked TCU, Arizona can’t afford to lose if they want to keep their NCAA Tournament dreams alive.

Trends

Utah leads the all-time series vs. Arizona 22-12.
Utah won the last meeting (69-48), but Arizona has won seven of the last 10 games.
Arizona is 4-11 all-time vs. Utah when playing in Salt Lake City.
Utah is 10-1 when playing at home this season.
Arizona is 5-2 when playing on the road.

Bottom Line

This game will be a battle of wills. Who can impose their will on the other? Will it be Utah and their offensive efficiency controlling the outcome of the game? Or will Arizona’s tenacious defense keep the Utes’ offense in check?

I feel like I have to side with Utah and their offense regarding who will win the game. I wouldn’t expect another blowout like the New Year’s Eve game. I think the Arizona defense will do enough to slow the Utes down and keep the game interesting.

Will Utah win? Absolutely. Will they cover the spread? Don’t count on it.

Pick: Arizona +8.5 (-112)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday:

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